Campbell launches national search for next med school dean

Campbell University's Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine has launched a national search for its next dean, the school announced this week.

Campbell has partnered with AGB Search to find its third dean since the school opened its doors in 2013. Dr. John Kauffman was installed as the founding dean in 2011 and served the school until 2019. He was succeeded by Dr. Brian Kessler - formerly the school's associate dean of clinical affairs - in 2021. Dr. James Powers (2019-2021) and Dr. David Tolentino (May 2025-present) have served in interim roles during the school's 12-year history.

Cody Futch and Matthew Kilcoyne will serve as principals for AGB during the search process. AGB Search conducted successful searches for deans and administrators at several medical schools in the U.S., including Des Moines University, State University of New York, Kansas Health Science University, University of South Dakota and Pacific Northwest University. The company has supported more than 350 president and chancellor searches over the past 15-plus years and touts a 95-percent successful completion rate.

Learn more about the Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine

"I'm excited to work with the dedicated faculty and staff at the medical school, the search committee and our partners at AGB Search to identify the next dean of the Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine," said Dr. Michael Adams, vice president for academic affairs and provost. "The mission of Campbell University and CUSOM - as well as the reputation of our students - will surely attract many talented leaders who will want to be a part of this well-established and well-respected program."

Campbell's School of Osteopathic Medicine welcomed its first class in 2013 and graduated its first group of physicians in 2017. The school was the first osteopathic medical school in North Carolina and the first new medical school in the state in 40 years. In 2025, it ranked among the best in the nation for "Medical Schools With the Most Graduates Practicing in Rural Areas," according to U.S. News & World Report rankings of top medical schools.

"CUSOM is clearly one of Campbell's signature academic assets, and as such the dean's position is one that will provide critical leadership as we move forward," affirmed University President Dr. William M. Downs. "I've worked productively with AGB before, and I have confidence that they will help us generate a strong and deep applicant pool. Because the Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine can be a catalyst for Campbell's future growth, we will find the right person with the energy, vision and skills to guide that growth."

The search committee is made up of:

• Chair: Dean Jeff Mercer, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
• Dean Al Bryant, School of Education & Human Sciences
• Dr. Joe Cacioppo, director of Community & Global Health
• Abigail Cooley, two-time Campbell graduate, second-year medical student
• Dr. David Green, chair of Anatomy
• Dr. Amy Hinkleman, director of medical school's Academic Center for Excellence
• Debi Pipes, director of Student Affairs
• Dr. Heather Weber, director of Clinical Education
• Dr. Michael Adams, provost (Ex Officio)

To learn more about the search, contact [email protected].